48002, Allenton, Michigan Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 48002, Allenton, Michigan is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.90 percent of residents in 48002 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Henry Ford Macomb Hospital with a distance of 22.15 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 48002 (Allenton, MI)

This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of ZIP Code 48002, focusing on their access to healthcare via various transportation methods. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. Understanding these factors is crucial for evaluating the overall health and well-being of the Allenton community, especially for individuals considering moving to the area. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing vital medical care.

**Drive Time and Road Network:**

The primary determinant of healthcare access for Allenton residents is the automobile. The road network, however, presents a mixed bag. The heart of Allenton itself is relatively compact, making short trips to local amenities, including pharmacies and urgent care facilities, generally manageable. However, accessing specialized medical services often necessitates travel outside the immediate area.

The primary artery for leaving Allenton is **M-53 (Van Dyke Road)**, a major north-south thoroughfare. Heading south on M-53 provides access to larger towns like Romeo and Washington Township, where a greater concentration of medical offices and clinics are located. Drive times to these locations typically range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours.

Further south, **M-53** connects to **I-696 (Walter P. Reuther Freeway)**, opening up access to the broader Detroit metropolitan area. Reaching major hospitals in Royal Oak or Detroit, however, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour during rush hour. This extended commute time significantly impacts the ability to receive timely care, especially in emergency situations.

East-west travel is primarily facilitated by smaller county roads, such as **Burch Road** and **Capac Road**. These routes offer alternative paths, but they are often less direct and can be subject to delays due to traffic lights, slower speed limits, and seasonal weather conditions. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, further compounds the challenges of accessing healthcare.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Allenton are limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The **Smart Bus** system, while serving parts of Macomb County, does not directly serve Allenton with regular routes. This lack of public transit disproportionately affects elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford or do not have access to a car.

While there are no dedicated bus routes that directly serve Allenton, there is a possibility of using the **Smart Bus Connector** services, but these must be pre-booked and are not always available. This service is designed for individuals with disabilities and is ADA compliant. However, the availability and scheduling can be a challenge, particularly for urgent medical appointments. The lack of a robust public transportation network significantly lowers the Overall Health Score for this ZIP code.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, offers a partial solution to the transportation challenge. However, the coverage area for these services in Allenton can be inconsistent, and wait times can be prolonged, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Specialized medical transport services are available, including companies like **MedTransport** and **American Medical Response (AMR)**. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, but they often require pre-booking and can be expensive. They are essential for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring stretcher transport, but they do not offer a readily accessible solution for all healthcare needs.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The Overall Health Score for Allenton (ZIP Code 48002) reflects a mixed picture. While the immediate area offers some local healthcare resources, access to specialized medical care is heavily reliant on personal vehicle ownership and the ability to navigate the road network. The absence of reliable public transportation and the limitations of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for vulnerable populations.

The long drive times to major hospitals and specialized medical facilities, particularly during peak traffic, can delay access to critical care. The cost of transportation, whether through personal vehicle expenses, ride-sharing fees, or medical transport services, can also be a significant financial burden, potentially deterring individuals from seeking necessary medical attention.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the Overall Health Score for Allenton, several measures are recommended. Investing in expanding public transportation options, including extending **Smart Bus** routes or implementing a demand-response system, could significantly enhance healthcare access. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding the availability of local healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities, would reduce the need for long-distance travel. Improving road infrastructure, particularly the maintenance and snow removal on county roads, would also contribute to safer and more reliable access to healthcare.

**Conclusion:**

The Overall Health Score for Allenton, MI (ZIP Code 48002), is negatively impacted by limited transportation options. While some local healthcare resources exist, access to specialized medical care relies heavily on personal vehicles and is subject to potential delays due to traffic and road conditions. Addressing the transportation challenges, through improved public transit, subsidized ride-sharing programs, and telehealth initiatives, is essential to improving healthcare access and the overall health and well-being of the Allenton community. When moving to Allenton, prospective residents should carefully consider the impact of these transportation challenges on their healthcare access needs.